Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of operating a group communication system, the method comprising: receiving, at the group communication system, a communication group formation request from a requesting communication node, wherein a purpose for which the communication group is being formed is included with the communication group formation request; transmitting from the group communication system to the requesting communication node a discovery message, wherein the discovery message comprises discovery data and the purpose, wherein the requesting communication node broadcasts the discovery data to a plurality of local communication nodes, and wherein each local communication node is located within a broadcasting range of the requesting communication node; in response to the broadcasted discovery data, receiving, at the group communication system, an election message from an electing communication node, wherein the electing communication node is one of the plurality of local communication nodes; and establishing a communication group, wherein the communication group comprises the requesting communication node and the electing communication node.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the discovery data is configured to be broadcast by the requesting communication node to the plurality of local communication nodes using low-energy transmission having a limited broadcast range.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems where a requesting communication node seeks to discover nearby devices. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of power and bandwidth in traditional discovery processes, which often involve high-energy transmissions or centralized coordination. The solution involves broadcasting discovery data from the requesting node to nearby local communication nodes using low-energy, short-range transmissions. This approach conserves energy and reduces interference by limiting the broadcast range, ensuring only relevant devices receive the discovery data. The system may also include mechanisms for the requesting node to receive responses from the local nodes, enabling efficient device discovery without excessive power consumption or network congestion. The method may further involve adjusting transmission parameters, such as power levels or modulation schemes, to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining reliable communication. This technique is particularly useful in battery-powered or resource-constrained environments, such as IoT networks or sensor deployments, where minimizing energy usage is critical. The invention improves upon prior art by combining low-energy transmissions with localized discovery, reducing the need for high-power broadcasts or centralized coordination.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the low-energy transmission is at least one of a Bluetooth transmission, an iBeacon transmission, and a WiFi transmission.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for optimizing low-energy transmissions in environments where devices need to communicate efficiently with minimal power consumption. The problem addressed is the need for reliable, low-power wireless communication between devices, such as in IoT (Internet of Things) networks, where energy efficiency is critical. The method involves using low-energy wireless transmissions to establish communication between devices. These transmissions are selected from at least one of Bluetooth, iBeacon, or WiFi protocols, which are known for their energy-efficient operation. The method ensures that devices can detect and connect to each other using these low-energy signals, reducing power consumption while maintaining connectivity. The system includes a transmitting device that sends low-energy signals and a receiving device that detects and processes these signals. The transmitting device may be configured to broadcast signals periodically or in response to specific triggers, such as motion detection or user interaction. The receiving device analyzes the incoming signals to determine the presence and proximity of the transmitting device, enabling further communication or actions based on the detected signals. This approach is particularly useful in applications where battery life is a concern, such as wearable devices, smart sensors, and asset tracking systems. By leveraging established low-energy wireless protocols, the method provides a scalable and energy-efficient solution for device communication.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting the discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes.
This invention relates to a system for managing communication between a central node and multiple local communication nodes in a network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable data transmission between a central node and distributed local nodes, particularly in scenarios where real-time coordination or discovery of network resources is required. The method involves generating discovery data at a central node, where this discovery data includes information about available network resources, communication protocols, or node statuses. The discovery data is then transmitted to the plurality of local communication nodes, enabling them to synchronize, optimize routing, or discover new network capabilities. The local nodes may use this data to adjust their communication parameters, establish connections, or relay information back to the central node. The transmission of discovery data ensures that all nodes in the network have up-to-date information, improving coordination and reducing latency in dynamic environments. This method is particularly useful in wireless networks, IoT deployments, or mesh networks where decentralized decision-making is necessary. The system may also include error-checking mechanisms to verify the integrity of transmitted data, ensuring reliable communication across the network.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the requesting communication node broadcasts the discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for discovering and connecting communication nodes in a network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable discovery of nearby communication nodes to establish connections without centralized coordination, which is particularly useful in decentralized or ad-hoc networks. The method involves a requesting communication node initiating a discovery process to identify and connect with other local communication nodes. The requesting node broadcasts discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes within its communication range. This discovery data includes information necessary for the local nodes to recognize and respond to the requesting node, such as identifiers, capabilities, or connection parameters. The local nodes receiving the broadcasted discovery data can then evaluate the information and establish a connection with the requesting node if desired. This approach eliminates the need for a central controller, reducing complexity and improving scalability in decentralized networks. The method ensures that nodes can dynamically discover and connect with each other, enhancing network flexibility and robustness.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the discovery data comprises at least one of the following: a requesting communication device identifier; and a requesting communication device location.
This invention relates to communication systems, specifically methods for handling discovery data in networked environments. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently manage and utilize discovery data to facilitate communication between devices. Discovery data is information that enables devices to identify and connect with each other, such as identifiers or location data. The method involves processing discovery data that includes at least one of a requesting communication device identifier or a requesting communication device location. The identifier uniquely distinguishes the device within the network, while the location data specifies the device's position or network address. This data is used to establish or optimize communication links between devices, ensuring accurate and efficient connections. The method may also involve additional steps such as validating the discovery data, storing it for future use, or using it to authenticate the requesting device. By incorporating identifiers and location data, the system ensures that communication requests are routed correctly and securely. This approach enhances network reliability and reduces latency by minimizing the need for redundant discovery processes. The invention is particularly useful in dynamic environments where devices frequently join or leave the network, such as IoT systems or mobile networks. By leveraging discovery data, the system can quickly adapt to changes and maintain seamless connectivity. The method improves efficiency by reducing the overhead associated with device discovery and connection establishment.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein each communication node in the plurality of local communication nodes comprises an end user device communicatively linked to a communication device.
This invention relates to a distributed communication system where multiple local communication nodes are interconnected to facilitate data exchange. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing communication between end-user devices and communication devices in a decentralized network. Each local communication node includes an end-user device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, which is directly linked to a communication device, such as a router, gateway, or access point. These nodes are part of a larger network where data is transmitted between them to enable seamless communication without relying on a centralized infrastructure. The communication devices within each node handle the transmission and reception of data, ensuring reliable connectivity across the network. The system may also include additional features, such as dynamic routing protocols, to optimize data flow and minimize latency. By distributing communication tasks across multiple nodes, the system enhances scalability, reduces dependency on centralized servers, and improves resilience against network failures. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional centralized networks are impractical or inefficient, such as in remote areas or large-scale IoT deployments. The invention aims to provide a robust, decentralized communication framework that supports various applications, including real-time data sharing, peer-to-peer networking, and distributed computing.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein each communication node in the plurality of local communication nodes comprises a communication device having a processing system executing a communication application.
This invention relates to a distributed communication system where multiple local communication nodes interact to facilitate data exchange. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing communication in decentralized networks, where nodes may have varying capabilities and connectivity. Each communication node in the system includes a communication device equipped with a processing system that runs a communication application. This application enables the node to participate in the network by processing and relaying data, ensuring reliable and secure transmission across the distributed infrastructure. The processing system handles tasks such as data encoding, encryption, and routing, while the communication application manages node interactions, including authentication, synchronization, and error recovery. The system is designed to optimize performance by dynamically adjusting communication parameters based on network conditions, ensuring robustness even in unstable or resource-constrained environments. The invention improves upon existing decentralized communication methods by integrating intelligent processing at each node, reducing latency and enhancing scalability. The communication application may also support peer-to-peer or mesh networking, allowing nodes to adapt their roles as needed, whether as data sources, relays, or endpoints. This approach ensures seamless data flow while minimizing dependency on centralized control, making the system suitable for applications like IoT, ad-hoc networks, and disaster recovery systems.
9. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions to operate a group communication system, including instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to: receive, at the group communication system, a communication group formation request from a requesting communication node, wherein a purpose for which the communication group is being formed is included with the communication group formation request; transmit from the group communication system to the requesting communication node a discovery message, wherein the discovery message comprises discovery data and the purpose, wherein the requesting communication node broadcasts the discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes, wherein each local communication node is located within a broadcasting range of the requesting communication node; in response to the broadcasted discovery data, receive, at the group communication system, an election message from an electing communication node, wherein the electing communication node is one of the plurality of local communication nodes; and establish a communication group, wherein the communication group comprises the requesting communication node and the electing communication node.
This invention relates to group communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently forming communication groups among nearby devices based on a shared purpose. The system enables dynamic group formation by leveraging local broadcasts to identify suitable participants. When a requesting device initiates group formation, it sends a request to a central group communication system, specifying the purpose of the group. The system responds with a discovery message containing discovery data and the stated purpose, which the requesting device broadcasts to nearby local devices. Local devices within broadcast range evaluate the discovery data and purpose, and if eligible, one elects to join by sending an election message to the group communication system. The system then establishes the communication group, including both the requesting device and the elected device. This approach ensures that group members are geographically proximate and share a common purpose, optimizing communication efficiency and relevance. The system automates the discovery and election process, reducing manual configuration and improving scalability in decentralized networks.
10. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the discovery data is configured to be broadcast by the requesting communication node to the plurality of local communication nodes using low-energy transmission having a limited broadcast range.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving energy-efficient data discovery in decentralized networks. The problem addressed is the high energy consumption and inefficiency in traditional broadcast methods for discovering available communication nodes in a local area. The solution involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for a requesting communication node to generate and broadcast discovery data to nearby nodes using low-energy transmission with a limited broadcast range. This reduces power consumption while ensuring only relevant local nodes receive the data. The system includes a discovery module that generates the discovery data, which may contain node identifiers, capabilities, or service offerings. The transmission is optimized for short-range communication, minimizing energy use compared to long-range broadcasts. The invention also includes a reception module in local nodes to process the discovery data and establish connections based on the received information. This approach is particularly useful in battery-powered devices or networks where energy efficiency is critical, such as IoT or sensor networks. The limited broadcast range ensures that only nearby nodes are targeted, further conserving energy and reducing unnecessary data transmission.
11. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10 wherein the low-energy transmission is at least one of a Bluetooth transmission, an iBeacon transmission, and a WiFi transmission.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for optimizing power consumption in low-energy wireless transmissions. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of power in wireless devices, particularly in scenarios where devices need to maintain connectivity while minimizing energy consumption. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed, enable a device to perform low-energy wireless transmissions. These transmissions are optimized to reduce power usage while maintaining reliable communication. The low-energy transmissions can include Bluetooth, iBeacon, or WiFi protocols, which are commonly used in short-range wireless applications. The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters, such as signal strength and frequency, to balance power efficiency and communication reliability. Additionally, the device may include a power management module that monitors battery levels and adjusts transmission settings accordingly to extend battery life. The invention also incorporates a security module to ensure that low-energy transmissions are secure, preventing unauthorized access or data interception. The overall system aims to provide an energy-efficient, secure, and reliable wireless communication solution for battery-powered devices.
12. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions further cause the computing system to: transmit the discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes.
This invention relates to a system for managing communication between computing devices in a network, particularly focusing on efficient data discovery and transmission. The problem addressed is the need to optimize how devices in a network locate and share relevant data, especially in environments where multiple local communication nodes must coordinate information exchange. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computing system, enable the system to process and transmit discovery data to a plurality of local communication nodes. The discovery data includes information about available resources, services, or other data that can be shared within the network. The system is designed to collect, organize, and disseminate this data to ensure that all connected nodes are aware of the available resources, facilitating efficient communication and collaboration. The instructions further enable the system to transmit the discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes, ensuring that each node receives the necessary information to interact with other devices in the network. This process may involve broadcasting the data, multicasting to specific groups, or using targeted transmissions based on node requirements. The system may also include mechanisms to verify the integrity and relevance of the discovery data before transmission, ensuring that only accurate and useful information is shared. By optimizing the discovery and transmission of data, the invention improves network efficiency, reduces redundant communication, and enhances the overall performance of the system. This is particularly useful in environments where devices must dynamically discover and utilize shared resources,
13. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the requesting communication node broadcasts the discovery data to the plurality of local communication nodes.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems where devices need to discover and connect with nearby nodes. The problem addressed is efficiently sharing discovery data across a network of communication nodes to facilitate connections without excessive signaling overhead. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for a requesting communication node to broadcast discovery data to multiple local communication nodes. The discovery data includes information about the requesting node's capabilities, services, or identity, enabling nearby nodes to identify and establish connections. The broadcast method ensures that the discovery data is disseminated to all relevant nodes in the vicinity, reducing the need for individual queries and improving connection efficiency. The system may also include mechanisms for nodes to process and relay the discovery data, ensuring broader coverage and faster connection establishment. This approach minimizes latency and conserves network resources by avoiding repeated discovery requests. The invention is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where devices frequently need to discover and connect with each other, such as in IoT or mesh networking environments.
14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein the discovery data comprises at least one of the following: a requesting communication device identifier; and a requesting communication device location.
This invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for managing communication device discovery in a network. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently and securely identify communication devices in a network, particularly in scenarios where devices may be mobile or dynamically connected. The solution involves storing and processing discovery data that includes identifiers and location information for requesting communication devices. The discovery data is used to facilitate device discovery, authentication, and communication establishment. The storage medium further includes instructions for generating and transmitting discovery messages, handling discovery responses, and managing device-specific data. The system ensures that discovery operations are performed securely and efficiently, reducing unnecessary network traffic and improving device identification accuracy. The invention is particularly useful in wireless networks, IoT environments, and other dynamic communication systems where device discovery is critical for establishing connections and maintaining communication sessions.
15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein each communication node in the plurality of local communication nodes comprises an end user device communicatively linked to a communication device.
This invention relates to a distributed communication system where multiple local communication nodes are interconnected to facilitate data exchange. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing communication between end-user devices and communication devices in a decentralized network. Each communication node in the system includes an end-user device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, which is directly linked to a communication device, such as a router, gateway, or access point. These nodes are part of a larger network where data is transmitted between them to enable seamless communication. The communication devices within each node handle the transmission and reception of data, ensuring reliable connectivity across the network. The system may also include a central server or coordinator to manage network operations, though the primary focus is on the local communication nodes. The invention aims to improve data routing, reduce latency, and enhance overall network performance by leveraging the direct links between end-user devices and communication devices. This setup allows for flexible and scalable communication architectures, particularly in environments where centralized control is limited or impractical. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, enable the communication nodes to perform their functions, ensuring efficient data exchange within the network.
16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 9 wherein each communication node in the plurality of local communication nodes comprises a communication device having a processing system executing a communication application.
This invention relates to a distributed communication system where multiple local communication nodes interact to manage data transmission. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing and processing communications in a decentralized network, ensuring reliable data exchange without relying on a central authority. Each communication node in the network includes a communication device equipped with a processing system that runs a specialized communication application. This application enables the node to participate in the network by receiving, processing, and forwarding data to other nodes. The system may also include a central server that coordinates certain functions, such as authentication or network management, but the primary data routing and processing occur locally at each node. The communication application on each node handles tasks like data encryption, error correction, and network topology updates, ensuring secure and efficient communication. The invention aims to improve scalability, fault tolerance, and performance in decentralized networks by leveraging distributed processing and local decision-making.
17. A method of operating a group communication system to establish a communication group, the method comprising: receiving, at the group communication system, a communication group formation request from a requesting communication node, wherein a purpose for which the communication group is being formed is included with the communication group formation request; transmitting from the group communication system a discovery message to a plurality of local communication nodes, wherein each local communication node is located within a proximity range of the requesting node, and wherein the discovery message comprises discovery data and the purpose; receiving, at the group communication system, an election response from an electing communication node, wherein the electing communication node is one of the plurality of local communication nodes and further wherein the election response is a response to the electing communication node having received the discovery message; and establishing the communication group, wherein the communication group comprises the requesting communication node and the electing communication node.
This invention relates to group communication systems, specifically methods for forming communication groups based on proximity and shared purpose. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and purpose-driven group formation in decentralized communication networks, where nodes must dynamically establish connections without centralized coordination. The method involves a group communication system that receives a request from a requesting node to form a communication group, where the request includes the purpose for which the group is being formed. The system then broadcasts a discovery message to nearby local nodes within a defined proximity range, including both the discovery data and the stated purpose. Local nodes that receive this message evaluate the request and, if interested, respond with an election response. The system then establishes a communication group consisting of the requesting node and the electing node(s) that responded. This approach enables dynamic, purpose-driven group formation in decentralized networks, ensuring that only relevant nodes participate in the group based on proximity and shared objectives. The system avoids unnecessary communication overhead by limiting discovery to local nodes and filtering responses based on purpose alignment.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein each communication node comprises an end user device communicatively linked to an intermediate communication device, further wherein each intermediate communication device comprises a processing system executing a communication application.
This invention relates to a communication system where end user devices are linked to intermediate communication devices, which process and manage communications. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing and processing data between multiple devices in a network, particularly in scenarios where direct communication between end users is impractical or inefficient. Each intermediate communication device includes a processing system that runs a communication application to handle data transmission, routing, and processing tasks. The end user devices are connected to these intermediate devices, which act as intermediaries to facilitate communication. The intermediate devices may perform functions such as data aggregation, protocol conversion, or security enforcement before relaying information to the intended recipients. This architecture improves communication reliability, scalability, and security by centralizing processing tasks within the intermediate devices rather than distributing them across all end user devices. The system is particularly useful in environments where direct peer-to-peer communication is difficult, such as in large-scale networks or systems with diverse device capabilities. The communication application on the intermediate devices ensures that data is properly formatted, encrypted, and routed according to predefined rules, enhancing overall network performance.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the discovery message comprises at least one of the following: a requesting communication device identifier; and a requesting communication device location.
A method for enhancing communication device discovery in a network environment addresses the challenge of efficiently identifying and connecting with nearby devices. The method involves transmitting a discovery message from a requesting communication device to one or more target communication devices. The discovery message includes at least one of a requesting communication device identifier or a requesting communication device location. The identifier uniquely distinguishes the requesting device, while the location provides spatial context for targeted discovery. This allows target devices to determine proximity, relevance, or compatibility before establishing a connection. The method may also involve receiving a response from the target devices, which can include their own identifiers or locations, enabling bidirectional discovery. The discovery process may be used in various applications, such as peer-to-peer networking, ad-hoc communication, or location-based services, where efficient and context-aware device identification is critical. The inclusion of identifiers and location data improves accuracy and reduces unnecessary communication overhead by filtering irrelevant devices.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the location of a local communication node within the proximity range is determined based on attribute data collected from the requesting communication node and the plurality of communication nodes by the group communication service.
This invention relates to a system for determining the location of a local communication node within a proximity range using attribute data collected from multiple communication nodes. The method involves a group communication service that gathers attribute data from a requesting communication node and a plurality of other communication nodes. The collected attribute data is used to estimate the location of a local communication node within a defined proximity range. The system may involve a requesting communication node initiating a location determination process, where the group communication service processes the collected attribute data to identify the local communication node's position relative to other nodes. The attribute data may include signal strength, timing information, or other relevant metrics that help triangulate or otherwise estimate the node's location. The method ensures accurate positioning within a specified range, enabling precise localization in scenarios where traditional GPS or other positioning systems may be unreliable or unavailable. This approach leverages collaborative data from multiple nodes to enhance location accuracy, particularly in environments with limited infrastructure or dense node deployments. The system may also include mechanisms to refine location estimates over time by continuously updating attribute data and recalculating the node's position. The invention is useful in applications such as asset tracking, indoor positioning, and ad-hoc network management where precise localization is critical.
Unknown
September 3, 2019
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